PENGUATAN KARAKTER HEMAT MELALUI PEMBIASAAN MENABUNG BERBASIS EDUKASI DAN PRAKTIK PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN SISWA SMK

Abstract

The consumptive behavior of adolescents, especially Vocational High School (SMK) students, is a serious concern that requires systematic and practical intervention. SMK students who have begun engaging with the workforce through industrial internship programs often earn their own income but lack the financial management skills to use it wisely. Therefore, this Community Service Program (PKM) aimed to strengthen students’ frugal character through saving habits grounded in financial education and hands-on financial management practice. The activity was conducted on April 27, 2026, at SMK Khazanah Kebajikan, Pamulang, South Tangerang, involving active students as participants. The methods employed included interactive lectures, pocket money allocation simulations, group discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and personal saving goal-setting practice using structured worksheets, following a learning by doing approach. The results indicated a significant increase in students’ understanding of basic financial literacy, improved ability to differentiate between needs and wants, and heightened motivation to save in a planned and consistent manner. Students successfully produced personal savings planning worksheets as tangible outputs of the activity. The program ran smoothly and received positive responses from participants and school staff alike. This initiative is expected to serve as an initial step in forming a generation that is not only technically ready for work but also financially independent.